General Tso’s Cauliflower by Minimalist Baker
Cauliflower florets baked with a spicy, General Tso’s-inspired sauce to crispy perfection. Gluten-free, plant-based, and just 10 ingredients required!
Original recipe
Time
Prep: 20mins Cook: 40mins Total: 60mins
Nutrition
- Calories
- 151 kcal
- Carbohydrate content
- 21.8 g
- Fat content
- 5.7 g
- Fiber content
- 4 g
- Protein content
- 5.2 g
- Saturated fat content
- 0.8 g
- Serving size
- 1 side serving
- Sodium content
- 1291 mg
- Sugar content
- 6.9 g
- Unsaturated fat content
- 4.5 g
Ingredients
- 8 cups chopped cauliflower, bite-sized florets ((1 medium-large head cauliflower as recipe is written))
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil ((if avoiding oil, sub in a mix of chili garlic sauce and maple syrup))
- 3/4 tsp sea salt*
- 1/4 cup cornstarch*
- 2-3 tsp chili garlic sauce
- 3 Tbsp tamari ((or 1/4 cup or 60 ml coconut aminos))
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 Tbsp minced ginger
- 2 small cloves garlic, minced or crushed
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes ((optional for more heat))
- White
- Steamed veggies
- Thinly sliced green onion
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and get out 2 large baking sheets (use more baking sheets or work in batches if making a larger batch). Line baking sheets with silicone baking mats or foil (parchment paper typically isn’t safe at high temperatures). If using foil, lightly grease with additional oil to prevent sticking.
- Wash cauliflower and pat dry. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower with the oil and salt to coat. Sprinkle in the cornstarch and toss again to coat. Arrange the cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet(s) in a single layer, allowing space between the florets to encourage crispiness. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Wipe the bowl clean for later use.
- Prepare the sauce in the same large mixing bowl. Whisk together the chili garlic sauce, tamari, maple syrup, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (optional). Taste test and adjust as needed, adding more chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes for heat, maple syrup for sweetness, or garlic or ginger for zing. We used the full amount of chili garlic sauce.
- When the cauliflower is lightly browned, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then transfer it to the mixing bowl of sauce and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Spread the cauliflower out on the baking sheet again and reserve any extra marinade for serving. Bake for 8-12 minutes or until sizzling, golden brown on the edges, and tender (but not mushy).
- Optionally, serve the cauliflower with rice or quinoa and steamed veggies, and garnish with green onion, sesame seeds, and any leftover marinade.
- Best when fresh. Leftovers can be refrigerated in a sealed container up to 3 days and reheated in a 350°F (176 C) oven until warmed through. Not freezer friendly.